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Powerful strength must be matched with formidable martial skills. As the "God of War," Zhong Li was all too familiar with this.
A little guidance from him could benefit someone for a lifetime.
The Douluo Continent was different from Teyvat—here, soul masters rarely used weapons.
Most weapons couldn't compare to their own martial souls, making them a negative enhancement.
Beast-type soul masters were the weapons themselves, so ordinary arms were pointless.
Common swords and blades couldn't even pierce their defenses, rendering weapons meaningless.
On the Douluo Continent, weapon usage was the protagonist's privilege—like the Sea God Trident, the Asura Demon Sword, the Golden Dragon Spear, the Silver Dragon Spear...
Divine artifacts were also weapons!
"Martial arts are still too early for her. She should first refine her body into a weapon."
Zhong Li thought to himself, glancing subtly at Chi Yu.
A body-type martial soul—and a mutated one at that—required rigorous physical tempering, which would greatly benefit its second awakening.
Martial arts needed a strong physique to support them. First the body, then the skills—that was the correct approach.
The sword wasn't taken back but left with Chi Yu for self-defense. Even without swordsmanship, the weapon's inherent might was enough to help her overcome dangers.
On the way back, Zhong Li seemed to recall something and turned to Chi Yu.
"Chi Yu, the path of a soul master isn't just about increasing soul power. You must also learn how to fight."
"Right now, you've reached rank 48, but your combat experience is... lacking."
From this, it was clear Zhong Li's emotional intelligence was quite high.
Combat experience?
Chi Yu had none!
Hunting a few spirit beasts had relied entirely on the divine weapon's advantage.
She barely understood how to properly use her soul skills, let alone actual combat experience.
"Combat experience requires constant battles to accumulate gradually."
Chi Yu listened intently, her ears perked up, not refuting Zhong Li's words. She knew her own situation all too well.
A few days ago, she'd been locked in a cage for auction. Now, she was a rank 48 Spirit Ancestor.
But combat experience? Zero.
She hadn't learned anything from Zhong Li either—his strength was too overwhelming. A casual wave of his hand ended fights instantly...
What could she possibly learn from that?
It was a miracle she wasn't completely lost.
"As for combat experience... I have some minor proficiency in fists and feet. I could teach you a move or two."
Hearing this, Paimon's eye twitched.
The God of War, revered by the people of Liyue, was calling his skills "some minor proficiency"?!
Terrifying. Zhong Li could lie without even blinking.
Wait—was it really a lie?
He did know martial arts!
Chi Yu, however, was overjoyed. Zhong Li was willing to teach her hand-to-hand combat? Amazing!
Even if he couldn't, she'd still learn!
"Of course, I'd also recommend enrolling in an academy to study soul master knowledge, polish your soul skill usage, and accumulate combat experience..."
The Great Spirit Arena was still too advanced for Chi Yu.
An academy, however, was just right.
"If you'd rather not go—"
"No, I'll go!"
Chi Yu's gaze was resolute. She would study hard—she refused to be a burden to Zhong Li!
She wouldn't drag him down!
Zhong Li nodded. Had she refused, he wouldn't have pressed—he could always teach her himself.
He just wanted her to interact with more people.
"Mm."
With that settled, they resumed their journey to Heaven Dou City.
Getting Chi Yu into an academy would be simple.
Besides, he also needed to learn more about soul masters.
While he could judge a spirit beast's age by its energy and deduce its attributes from its physiology, he didn't know their names...
As a man of vast knowledge—a living relic of Liyue—mastering new information was only natural.
Soon, the trio returned to Heaven Dou City.
It was noon, and without a word, Zhong Li and Paimon headed straight for Seven Treasures Hotel.
Chi Yu followed silently behind.
When the manager saw Chi Yu, he froze in shock.
Though only an auxiliary-type Spirit Sage, his discernment was sharp.
The cat girl's transformation was staggering.
Her skin was fairer, her features more breathtaking.
If the previous version was a rare beauty, this one was peerless in the Douluo Continent!
The nourishment of love?
...That didn't seem to be the case.
More importantly, her aura had grown terrifying!
How had this happened in just a few days?
"As expected of Lord Zhong Li—to turn a slave into such a beauty in mere days."
But looks were secondary. What truly stunned him was the power she now radiated!
Beauty?
Just fleeting allure.
Only strength ensured survival in this world.
As they settled into a private room and ordered food, sipping tea, the door suddenly opened.
It was "Xue Qinghe." She was stunned.
Zhong Li had said he was taking Chi Yu to Sunset Forest for a soul ring. With his power, failure was impossible.
But they'd been gone for days?!
What first soul ring took that long to find?!
The moment Zhong Li returned to the city, "Xue Qinghe" had rushed to Seven Treasures Hotel.
"You... you're Chi Yu?"
Entering the room, the first thing she saw was Chi Yu's flawless face. If not for the snowy, fluffy cat ears, she might not have recognized her!
What had Zhong Li done to her in just a few days?!
How could the change be this drastic?
"Yes, Your Highness."
Chi Yu nodded in response.
She knew Zhong Li and the Crown Prince were close. Love me, love my dog—she'd at least reply politely.
Hearing the confirmation, "Xue Qinghe" blinked, disbelief written across her face.
Her expression was almost... dazed. Yet Chi Yu felt no discomfort.
She could sense no lust in "Xue Qinghe's" gaze—only a trace of envy.
This left Chi Yu baffled, her eyes filled with confusion.
"???"
Her mind was a storm of questions.
"Why...?"
Though she could perceive emotions, Chi Yu couldn't see through "Xue Qinghe's" disguise. She had no idea why the Crown Prince was reacting this way.
After all, no matter how beautiful a woman was, the desire to become even more beautiful was irresistible...
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 115 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 20 power stones I will publish the next chapter.